The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Friday it will deliver more than $11 million in combined emergency assistance to Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana to speed disaster responses following a severe winter storm, according to Tennessee Lookout. The funding includes $3.75 million to reimburse the state of Tennessee. The money may be used for generator deployment, temporary heating for facilities and vulnerable populations, emergency debris removal, shelter operations, activation of state and local emergency operations centers, emergency logistics, medical support and law enforcement and public safety operations. Last week, President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for 12 states, including Tennessee. Gov. Bill Lee also is seeking an expedited major disaster declaration for 23 counties in the state.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has announced that states across the country have reached settlements totaling $17.85 million with two drug companies, Lannett and Bausch Health. According to a press release, the settlements are part of a nationwide effort to hold drug companies accountable for alleged price-fixing schemes, which reportedly increased the cost of everyday medications. Under the settlements, the companies will compensate consumers and change internal practices to promote fair competition. They also agreed to cooperate with ongoing lawsuits against other companies involved in the alleged schemes. Consumers who purchased generic prescription drugs made by Lannett or Bausch Health between May 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2019, may be eligible for compensation.

University of Tennessee (UT) quarterback Joey Aguilar has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in Knox County Chancery Court seeking to extend his eligibility and play for the Volunteers in the 2026 season. According to Knox News, Aguilar is seeking a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, whose rules state that he has exhausted his eligibility. The complaint states that UT football has an available roster spot and name, image and likeness (NIL) money for him in the 2026 season. The filing comes after Aguilar separated from a federal lawsuit brought by Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, which challenges the NCAA’s eligibility rules regarding former junior college players. Pavia’s lawsuit has 25 additional players remaining as plaintiffs.

Save the date for the TBA's 2026 Dispute Resolution Forum set for May 7. This year's program will be presented as a live virtual event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. Register now or watch for more details coming soon on the TBA website. Dispute Resolution Section members received discounted registration. Not a member yet? Get started here.

TBA YLD District Representative Grace Burnett will be holding an Essential Documents clinic for the Wilson County Sheriff's Office on March 23. The clinic will run from 9 a.m.-noon CDT at 105 E. High St., Lebanon 37087. Email gbenitoneburnett@raineykizer.com to volunteer.

Next month's TBA Estate Planning & Probate Forum features a probate panel comprised of judges and clerk & masters from the state’s three grand divisions. This year's panelists include Chancellor Bill Cole, Judge Toby Gilley and Clerk & Master Jared Smith who will discuss best practices and answer general questions from attendees. Other topics at the forum include will and trust litigation, AI in estate planning, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, public receivership, a legislative update and ethics. Learn more and register here.

In the latest edition of Voices of the YLD, Publications Committee Chair Brian Mounce reflects on the remarkable legacy and distinguished legal career of Judge Bernice Boule Donald. From her humble beginnings to her rise to the highest levels of the legal profession, her story is one of perseverance and inspiration. Throughout her career, Judge Donald has remained deeply committed to mentoring the next generation, encouraging young attorneys to “show initiative, prepare with excellence and persevere." Mounce is an attorney at Burch, Porter & Johnson in Memphis. Email bmounce@gmail.com if you are interested in submitting a piece for Voices of the YLD.

The Petitioner, Craig Taylor, appeals the denial of post-conviction relief from his Madison County convictions for first degree premeditated murder, attempted aggravated burglary, two counts of first degree felony murder, and two counts of attempted aggravated robbery, for which he received a total effective sentence of life plus eight years. The Petitioner contends that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel based upon trial counsel’s failure to call expert witnesses to rebut the State’s experts. After review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

While unclear from the record, which does not include the relevant documentation, the Petitioner, Kavaughn Jones, states that he pleaded guilty in 2022 to two counts of attempted rape and one count of attempted aggravated sexual battery, and that the trial court sentenced him to eight years to be served at 45%. In January 2025, the Petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief, in which he alleged that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to investigate his case. The post-conviction court summarily dismissed the petition as time- barred. The Petitioner appeals. After review, we affirm the post-conviction court’s judgment.

Petitioner, Shamarion Bown, appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief, arguing that the post-conviction court erred in concluding that Petitioner received the effective assistance of counsel. Petitioner alleges that trial counsel failed to adequately review discovery materials and offer an honest assessment about the strengths and weaknesses of Petitioner’s case. Petitioner contends that because of counsel’s alleged deficient performance he did not fully understand the nature and consequences of his guilty plea. After review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.